On Thursday May 22, 2014, the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, and Urban Development, Hon Uche Nwosu had in a programme on Hot FM Radio station Owerri, while answering a question from the moderator did not only lampoon the workers in Trumpeta Newspaper, but also abused the Management of the Newspaper, and indirectly derided the Journalism Profession, and those in the job.
On the day in question, Trumpeta Newspaper had ran a cover page story “Auto Crash: Imo Commissioner, Uche Nwosu Escapes Death”
Asked by the moderator if really the accident did occur, Commissioner Nwosu flew off the handle on Air saying “I am just surprised to hear this. Who is a Journalist in Trumpeta Newspaper? That is how the Newspaper goes about publishing false stories. When they want to sale their Newspaper they write whatever they like”
With all due respect, Trumpeta holds the Commissioner in high esteem but in this particular case, Nwosu goofed.
We want to state unequivocally here that Nwosu is being economical with the truth, and merely trying to bury facts, and in the process pouring odium on the Publishers of Trumpeta Newspaper, by painting them as nitwits who feed the public with falsehood.
For the records, the convoy of the Commissioner for Lands Chief Uche Nwosu had an accident at the Imo State Secretariat with a vehicle belonging to a female staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs (names withheld). It was on 21, 2014, by 3pm.
The damaged vehicle has been sent to panel Beaters by the orders of the Commissioner for repairs, and we have the name of the panel Beater, brand of vehicle and plate number (all withheld) for reasons best known to us, but could be made public, if Nwosu prompts us.
However, Nwosu did not respect the revered office of the Commissioner with the way and manner he conducted himself from his speech on Air, to the extent that if Trumpeta imitates his mood of delivery it will lead to counter missiles. But let the sleeping Dog lie.
However, Trumpeta would not allow the issue go with out explaining that the likes of Nwosu should wake up from the imagination that Journalism profession is made up of drop-outs and never-do wells, begging for favour from “well made people” like Nwosu.
For the question he posed; who is a Journalist there? Let Nwosu know that the least reporter in Trumpeta Newspaper is a graduate; A Degree holder, including the Typists.
All the reporters are Professional Journalists, having studied Journalism or related courses in the University, and School of Journalism.
For the question also; all members of the Management had practiced Journalism for over five years, before Nwosu graduated from Imo state University.
Having said that, it is pertinent to note that those whose palm carnels were grinded by their Grandfathers should not see their mates as fools.
That Nwosu married the first daughter of the Governor of Imo state, and by fate and opportunity is today a “celebrity” and a “Dangote” should not make him classify others as wretched and poor of the earth, who cannot make it in life. After all, who was he prior to the 2011 election in Imo state!
No condition is permanent, and no one lasts in an office forever
While we still maintain our due regard for the Commissioner, we make bold to say that it was unlike Uche Nwosu to have gone off handle as he did on prime time programme in a widely listened Hot FM to lampoon Trumpeta cum Journalism profession.
No wonder Abrahim Lincoln said, never judge a man, until you give him power. In the case of Nwosu, he not only has “power” but wealth, and therefore every other person is inconsequential.
But facts are sacred, and Uche Nwosu knows it that Trumpeta was right in its publication, but was only trying to play safe to the detriment of the Corporate integrity and business outreach of Trumpeta Newspaper.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones, while also remembering that nothing in life is as permanent as change.
Signed
Editor
